On March 25, 2005, the Garden's café reopened its doors with an environmentally friendly makeover and a new name, Sassafras, a tribute to the grove on the property when founder Henry Shaw built his country home 150 years ago. Guests will enjoy a new menu, warm earth-toned décor, comfortable seating, and friendly service. Many features of the new café design are environmentally friendly. Tabletops and divider walls are surfaced in a material made of recycled paper and agricultural alfalfa. Walls are accented in cork and sustainably harvested cherry. A large central skylight brightens the area, and pendant table lamps use energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs. Artwork on display is from the Missouri Botanical Garden's rare book collection. The Sassafras spring menu offers an appealing variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads, as well as a "pick two" combo and children's menu.

Hours are: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lunch served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.